With electricity prices rising, it is reasonable to ask what a massage chair will add to your monthly bill. The short answer is: very little. Below, we show how to work out the cost for your own home, and what to know about running a chair during load shedding.
Quick answer: massage chair electricity usage is low. Home chairs are typically rated at around 120 to 300 watts, and a 20-minute daily session uses only a few units a month. You can work out the exact cost with the formula below and the rate on your own bill.
How many watts does a massage chair use?
The rated power of a home massage chair is typically between about 120 and 300 watts. Our chairs fall within that range; for example, the Presage Pro is rated at 120W and the Preston 4D at 150W. The figure for each model is listed in the specifications on its product page.
The rated figure is the maximum. In normal use the chair draws less, because the motors, airbags and heater do not all run at full power at the same time. In standby, a chair uses only a few watts.
For comparison, a 1.5-ton air conditioner typically draws well over 1,000 watts.
Working out the cost on your bill
Electricity is charged per unit, and one unit is one kilowatt-hour (kWh). To estimate monthly use:
Watts ÷ 1,000 × hours per day × 30 = units per month
A 150W chair used for 20 minutes (one third of an hour) a day uses about 150 ÷ 1,000 × 0.33 × 30 = 1.5 units a month. Two people using it for 20 minutes each would use about 3 units.
Multiply the units by the rate on your bill. Tariffs vary by distribution company, slab and time of day, so check your own bill for the rate that applies to you. Even at higher slab rates, a few units a month is a small addition.
Does heat increase power use?
Yes, slightly. The heating elements add to the load while they are on. Even so, a chair with heat running for a full session stays well below the consumption of most household appliances such as an iron, a kettle or an air conditioner.
Can you run a massage chair on a UPS, inverter or solar?
Generally yes, if the system has enough spare capacity. Check the chair's rated wattage against the capacity of your UPS or inverter and the other appliances it powers at the same time. A pure sine wave inverter is preferable for appliances with motors and electronic controls. If you are unsure, ask your UPS or solar installer, or message us with the model of your system.
Load shedding and voltage fluctuations
Sudden power cuts do not usually damage a chair, but the surge when power returns can strain the control board. Switch the chair off at the wall during load shedding, and consider a stabiliser or surge protector if your area has frequent fluctuations. Our maintenance guide covers this in more detail.
Running a chair on solar power
Many homes in Pakistan now have solar systems. A massage chair is a small load compared with air conditioners and water pumps, so it is generally easy to run during daylight hours on solar power. In the evening, when most people use a chair, it will draw from your batteries or the grid, depending on your system. If you have a battery system, check that it has enough spare capacity for the chair alongside lights and fans.
Tips to keep consumption low
- Switch the chair off at the wall when not in use, rather than leaving it on standby.
- Use heat only when you need it, mainly in winter.
- Keep sessions to fifteen or twenty minutes; longer sessions use more power without adding much benefit.
- Choose off-peak hours if your tariff has a peak-time rate.
Electrical safety
Plug the chair directly into a properly earthed wall socket rather than a multi-plug extension shared with heavy appliances. Make sure the socket and wiring are in good condition, especially in older houses. Keep the cable away from the chair's moving parts and from walkways. If you notice a burning smell, sparks or a hot plug, switch off at the wall and contact the service team.
Common mistakes
- Running the chair from a crowded extension board shared with heavy appliances.
- Leaving the chair on standby permanently instead of switching off at the wall.
- Connecting it to a UPS that is already near its limit.
- Ignoring a burning smell or hot plug; switch off and contact service.
Recliners and massage machines
Electric recliners draw power only while moving, so their effect on the bill is negligible. Foot massagers and back cushions use less power than a full chair. Manual recliners use none.
Running cost is only one part of the decision; our massage chair buying guide covers the rest, and our article on using a massage chair in winter explains when heat settings are most useful.
Further reading from independent sources: The NEPRA electricity tariff page lists the consumer-end tariffs that decide what each unit of electricity costs you. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) publishes tariff decisions and consumer complaint information for Pakistan.
Frequently asked questions
Will a massage chair increase my bill significantly?
No. Daily sessions typically add only a few units a month.
Is it safe to use during load shedding on a UPS?
Yes, if the UPS has enough capacity. Avoid running it on a UPS that is already powering several heavy appliances.
Does a massage chair use more power than an AC?
No. An air conditioner uses many times more power than a massage chair.
Can I run a massage chair from a generator?
Yes, if the generator supplies stable voltage. Fluctuating supply can strain the electronics, so a stabiliser is advisable.
How many units does a massage chair use per month?
For one 20-minute session a day on a 150W chair, about 1.5 units. Two users would use about 3.
Does the massage chair need a special socket?
A standard, properly earthed wall socket is enough. Avoid shared multi-plugs.
Can I leave the chair plugged in all the time?
It is safer to switch off at the wall when not in use, especially in areas with frequent power fluctuations.
See the rated power for every model in our massage chair collection, or message us on WhatsApp at +92 320 8484244 if you would like help checking your UPS or inverter.